The Canadian Football League has fined Saskatchewan Roughriders wide receiver Duke Williams for violating the league’s security protocol during last week’s game.
During the Aug. 12 game against the Edmonton Elks, Roughriders quarterback Cody Fajardo found Williams in the end zone with a 24-yard touchdown pass, and to celebrate, he had a few snacks.
Williams jumped into an area off the sidelines where Rider fans were seated and grabbed a plate of nachos to enjoy.
Due to league policy, the amount of the fine will not be disclosed. However, in a statement to Global News, the CFL said, “While we continue to encourage players to engage with fans, they may only do so from the playing field or from behind a fence, railing or barrier of some sort.
“Players are still able to jump up on the railing of the front row or climb the stairs to where the fans are but leaving the field and entering a seated area or walkway/concourse is now prohibited.”
And now Rider nation is left with many reactions after hearing of the fine.
One fan set up a GoFundMe campaign to help pay the fine, even though Williams’ salary is around $250,000.
The fund has already raised more than $1,000 with a goal of reaching $5,000 Friday afternoon. Any funds exceeding the fine will be given to KidSport In honour of Williams.
Another fan attempted to send nachos to the CFL head office, with a message reading, “I hope you enjoy these nachos as much as we enjoyed Dukes celebration. Signed Rider nation.”
In Regina, a number of restaurants are reminding fans of their nachos ahead of game day, including Pile O’ Bones and Rebellion Brewing.
“Duke, there is never a time where anyone will ever be fined or ever will be fined for eating nachos here at Pile O Bones brewing,” said Miranda Sanders, the manager at Pile O’ Bones.
Over at Rebellion Brewing, they are hoping Williams stops in for a bite sometime. “Duke of course you can come down where nachos are always on the menu and fun fact, our nachos contain all the nutritional value for any high performance athlete,” said Rebellion Brewing CEO Mark Heise.
The Riders take on the BC Lions Friday night, where the Riders look to get back-to-back wins for the third time this season.
And for Williams, he wants nothing more than to get into the end zone.
“I know they (the fans) will be looking forward to it so hopefully I get in the end zone,” said Williams. “I need them (nachos) in both end zones, nachos with extra cheese.”
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